Independent participatory media for Iran

The head of Iran’s Judiciary and the head of its state broadcasting network (IRIB) are on the latest EU blacklist for human rights violations.

Ayatollah Amoli Lairijani, the head of Iran’s judiciary, was added to the list for signing off on death sentences and sentences that involved stoning, flogging, amputations and pouring acid into the eyes of the convicted.

Ezzatollah Zarghami, the head of the state broadcasting network, is on the list for airing the “forced confessions and show trials” of dissidents.

Reza Taghipour, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications, also made the list as “one of the top officials in charge of censorship and control of internet activities.”

The names of 17 Iranian officials were added to the EU blacklist this week after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The EU also announced a ban on the export of technology that can be used for monitoring and intercepting telecommunications.

Catherine Ashton, the EU foreign policy chief, said: “We deplore the continuing increase in executions and the widespread repression of Iranian citizens, including human rights defenders, journalists and members of the opposition.”

The latest list also includes two officials that fall directly under the command of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Ali Saeedi, who is Ayatollah Khamenei’s representative to the Revolutionary Guards, and Asghar MirHejazi, the deputy chief of the Iranian Supreme Leader’s office and also head of security, for their roles in the suppression of popular protests in 2009.

Solat Mortazavi, a political advisor to the Interior Minister, is also on the list, charged with having a role in restricting press freedom.